For many Nuyoricans and Puerto Ricans, Casa Adela is an extension of their legacy in Loisaida. The restaurant, where owner Adela Fargas served authentic Puerto Rican food since 1976, has been a pillar for the Puerto Rican population in New York. Over the weekend, the restaurant’s Facebook page announced that at 81, Adela had passed away. Immediately, people flooded the comment section with anecdotes about her kindness and delicious rotisserie chicken. “She was the most wonderful and delightful person,” one commenter said. “Every time I went to her place of business, I didn’t feel like I was dining out. I felt like I was at abuelas.”

Customers quickly filled the storefront, located at 66 Avenue C, with flowers and candles after the announcement. Throughout its more than four decades in operation, the restaurant has drawn celebrities and local residents alike. With its mofongo and pernil asado, Casa Adela provided comfort food, as well as a sense of community, to Puerto Ricans.

With her funeral taking place on Friday, the tributes keep rolling in, with people remembering her as someone who made them feel at home. Check out the touching comments below.

DOÑA ADELA…you were a MOMS, AN ABUELA to so many of us on the L.E.S./LOISAIDA…you were the go to place, we boast…

Adela Ferguson, founder of Casa Adela on the LES was not only a beloved source of delicious Puerto Rican food & hospitality but a stalwart community leader. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing and join the entire community in grief: https://t.co/572UWaqAau

My condolences to Luis Rivera and family, son and manager of his mother Adela Ferguson's restaurant #CasaAdela who died at 81. She and Dr. Marta Moreno Vega inspired me both to create Estela, an original character for @Marvel. The best pasteles in all Nueva York. #RIP#YoSoyGrootpic.twitter.com/STZ8hBhRqt

Sad to hear Adela Fargas has died. For years her carne guisada, pollo guisado & mofongo at Casa Adela have been some of the most reliably delicious things on the Lower East Side. https://t.co/Jk1ArRYcEW

Today at the City Council, we held a moment of silence for Adela Fargas, who was a pillar of the Loisaida community, a fighter for a free and thriving Puerto Rico, and a dear friend for many in the community. We will miss her so very much. pic.twitter.com/BPyzCWSfW3

My heart goes out to the family of Adela Fargas of Casa Adela. She was a Puerto Rican patriot & an icon of the LES. Her smile, island pride & magic touch in the kitchen will be missed by so many. Sad day for Loisaida. pic.twitter.com/OuXpIxT3T5